The Russia sanctions debate heats up in Washington as lawmakers push for stronger action while President Donald Trump delays approval. A bipartisan sanctions bill awaits a green light from the White House but remains on hold.
The Russia sanctions debate heats up in Washington as lawmakers push for stronger action while President Donald Trump delays approval. A bipartisan sanctions bill awaits a green light from the White House but remains on hold.Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed Republicans are ready to vote once Trump gives his approval. The bill targets Russia’s economy and penalizes countries supporting its oil and gas exports. It has 85 Senate co-sponsors, including Democrats and Republicans.
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham co-authored the bill. It aims to pressure Russia into peace negotiations by tightening economic restrictions. Still, the White House has not signed off.
During an interview on Special Report, Thune explained the Senate’s position. “We want to work with the president,” he said. “But we must help Ukraine and hold Russia accountable.”
Trump recently announced plans to sell weapons to NATO allies for delivery to Ukraine. He also warned that countries trading with Russia may face 100% tariffs if no deal emerges in 50 days.
The president’s approach frustrates many in Congress. Some senators say he is acting alone on weapons and sanctions. Yet Thune defended Trump’s effort, saying he “understands what it takes to pressure Russia.”
Moscow responded quickly. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told the TASS news agency that ultimatums would not work. He said Russia prefers diplomacy but would not surrender its war goals.
So far, peace talks have failed. Moscow’s demands remain unchanged. Ukrainian officials say Russia’s terms equal surrender. Earlier this year, the U.S. and European allies proposed a 30-day ceasefire. Putin rejected the offer.
Trump has grown irritated with the lack of progress. His two-week deadlines for peace talks have expired repeatedly. No meaningful results followed.
Meanwhile, the war continues to escalate. This week, Ukraine’s Air Force reported over 400 drone strikes. Targets included President Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih. Innocent civilians remain at risk every day.
Thune acknowledged the urgency. “At some point, you need leverage,” he said. “And Russia keeps targeting civilian areas.”
The Russia sanctions debate heats up as the Senate waits for Trump’s decision. Lawmakers are ready. But the president holds the final word.
Without clear direction, Russia may continue unchecked. The Senate and the White House must soon align or risk losing leverage altogether.
For now, the Russia sanctions debate heats up in both Washington and Kyiv, with peace still far out of reach.
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